If Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve isn't one of your most anticipated releases in this fall's overstuffed launch calendar, I'm just going to say it: It should be. You might be wondering, 'But isn't Ace Combat just, like, planes?' And it is. But it's some of videogames' most ridiculously indulgent anime-ass melodrama, mediated through high-g fighter jet maneuvers and the constant refrain of a missile lock alert. It's like if all of Metal Gear was dogfighting, and in our hands-on AC8 preview, it continued to leave a very strong impression.
As of today, I've got even more reasons to be excited for October's next entry—and a few causes for concern. This morning, Bandai Namco published an "Online 101" video providing a primer on AC8's multiplayer offerings, all of which I'm pleased to report are accessed through online lobbies where you can mingle with other players as your very own Ace Combat pilotsona.
